This Conservation Camp residential is aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 years old who are interested in conservation and nature.
Our diverse and educational five-day residential course includes a range of activities, focusing on the theme of nature and conservation.
Spend a week immersing yourself in nature, making new friends and learning new skills.
Sessions during Conservation Camp might include learning about the local wildlife, experiencing flora and fauna on a spectacular walk, taking part in a local conservation project, and trying out a range of bushcraft skills in nearby woodland.
It is ideal for any young people looking to get first-hand experience of conservation in action.
This is a residential that is perfect for young people with an interest in nature and their environment. This course doesn’t require any prior experience, so come along and learn more about the nature and conservation of the area.
This course is suitable for the residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Always check with your leader before booking.
Read more
Our residentials also give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. These types of skills help across many areas of life and are particularly good for including in job or education applications.
Transferable skills that are likely to be covered in this residential:
- Communicating with others
- Working as a team
- Managing your time
- Taking the lead
- Keeping focused
- Problem solving
- Decision making
This course is an ideal way to complete the ‘Residential’ section of the gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date you choose and check they fit in the age category for that date when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges)
If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.
See our Residential FAQs page if you’d like to know the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.
Explore our range of opportunities for young people. Whether you’re looking to complete your gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, want to explore possible careers, or simply want to expand your knowledge of nature and the natural world, our range of opportunities and experiences offers something for everyone.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
Our Conservation Camp takes place at Preston Montford, Nettlecombe Court, Slapton Ley, Margam Discovery Centre and Flatford Mill. Wildlife availability, weather, location and season can affect activities which is why these are example timetables.
Example timetable
Day 1
Arrive at 12.00
Afternoon - Lunch, welcome and introductions
Familiarise yourself with your surroundings and get to know your group.
Discuss personal aims and objectives for the week
Afternoon - Team building games
Evening - Night Walk
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon - Practical Conservation
A day on a local practical conservation project.
Evening - Mammal trapping
An introduction to the use of Longworth traps and small mammal surveys.
Day 3
Morning - Water-based day depending on centres location and facilities e.g. rocky shore exploration, canoe journey
Evening - Bat walk
Day 4
Morning/Afternooon - Each centre utilises its surrounding landscape and attractions to support you learning more about conservation and the environment. Today could include a day on the hills and birdwatching, learning more bushcraft skills or woodland management to exploring the surrounding area.
Evening - Campfire
Relax around the fire – a chance to reflect on your experiences of the week and maybe toast a marshmallow or two.
Day 5
Morning - Wildlife Habitats
Afternoon - Reflection and final review of the course.
Depart 15:00
Preston Montford timetable
Day 1
Arrival 12pm
Introduction, Personal aims and team games and orienteering.
Evening
Photography session and a chance to brainstorm ideas.
Day 2
Practical Conservation
We will travel to Nescliffe Hills to take part in Conservation work. Nescliffe Hills and Cliffe Countryside Heritage site is a 70 hectare area of mixed woodland and heathland.
Evening
Quiz
Day 3
Canoeing
We will be canoeing along the River Severn
Followed by either bushcraft/invertebrate hunting/pond dipping/nature walk
Evening
Climate ambassadors session
Day 4
Trip to Stiperstones
On returning back to Preston Montford we will spend time on individual/group projects.
Evening
Campfire celebration
Day 5
Project presentations
We will spend time finishing projects before presenting them to the group.
There will also be a careers workshop with a local expert.
Depart 3pm
Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for participants, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.
What's Included
Before You Attend
What shall I bring?
- Boots or wellingtons
- Waterproof jacket & trousers
- Hat and Gloves for warm and cold weather
- Wash kit
- Suitable clothing for the time of year
- Small day rucksack
- Head torch
- Water bottle and lunch box
This course is aimed at young people aged 16 and 24 years old.
We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date you choose and check they fit in the age category for that date when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges)
If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Mon 21, April 2025 12:00 - Fri 25, April 2025 15:00
Conservation Camp at Preston Montford explores the diverse range of habitats within the Shropshire Hills. There is a heavy focus on Biodiversity during this course alongside Conservation. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 21, July 2025 12:00 - Fri 25, July 2025 15:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 18 - 24 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 21, July 2025 12:00 - Fri 25, July 2025 15:00
The centre does offer pick up and drop off at Totnes station. Pick up is 12pm at Totnes station on arrival day, and drop off at Totnes station at 4.30pm on departure day. In addition to the course cost, this is £10.00 each way. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 11, August 2025 12:00 - Fri 15, August 2025 12:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 18, August 2025 12:00 - Fri 22, August 2025 15:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 27, October 2025 12:00 - Fri 31, October 2025 15:00
Set in Flatford Mill at the heart of Constable Country in Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this course includes visits to the local RSPB sites, as well as surveying sites and habitats. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 27, October 2025 12:00 - Fri 31, October 2025 15:00
The centre does offer pick up and drop off at Totnes station. Pick up is 12pm at Totnes station on arrival day, and drop off at Totnes station at 4.30pm on departure day. In addition to the course cost, this is £10.00 each way. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.